The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsBayern Munich have confirmed that midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will join Manchester United, subject to a medical.
The German international’s contract with the Bundesliga champions expires in 2016, but he has told the club that he wants a new challenge.
Bayern’s Chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said; “We have reached an agreement with Manchester United over a transfer.
“It’s regrettable because Bastian meant a great deal to the club.
“He achieved great things but he wants to do something new at the end of his career. He asked that we meet his wishes.
“We tried to convince him to stay with Bayern Munich. But I also understand that a player who has spent 17 years at Bayern Munich still wants to gain a new experience.”
Schweinsteiger has made 536 appearances for Bayern since his debut in 2002, winning one Champions League, eight Bundesliga titles and the DFB Pokal Cup on seven occasions. He was also part of the German World Cup winning squad in 2014, and has made 111 appearances for his country.
An official club statement from the Premier League side read; “Manchester United are delighted to announce they have reached an agreement with Bayern Munich to sign midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, subject to a medical and personal terms.”
Manager Louis van Gaal had identified the midfielder as a likely summer target, along with Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, and the former Bayern coach, who managed Schweinsteiger from 2009 until 2011, will be delighted that a fee has been met for the German international.
United have made some key acquisitions already this summer. Having already signed PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay for £31 million, the club are awaiting the results of a medial for Torino defender Matteo Darmian, who will arrive at Old Trafford in a reported fee worth £13 million.
With Nani gone, Robin van Persie’s departure imminent and the continuous speculation regarding David De Gea, the news surrounding Schweinsteiger has lifted the mood in Manchester .
